The Ultimate Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide
It’s no secret that Kota Kinabalu is one of the best summer destinations in Malaysia, with its beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, prime diving spots, etc. However, what’s not as well known is how to spend the perfect time in this beautiful tropical city—that’s where we come in!
Growing up, Kota Kinabalu was always a must-visit for me and my family, and it’s a tradition I’ve carried with me to this day. From hotels to stay, restaurants to check out, activities to try, you name it, I’ve got something to recommend!
So, if you’re planning a getaway to Kota Kinabalu anytime soon, consider me your guide. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know before visiting KK—some of this info isn’t written on brochures!
Time Zone
Standard Malaysian Time (GMT+8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is during its dry season (February to April) when you can enjoy various outdoor activities like island hopping, swimming, snorkelling, and hiking.
Alternatively, you can visit during the shoulder season (May to August), which is when peak rates are out, but rainfall becomes more common. This is also a great time if you want to avoid the crowds.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Bahasa Malaysia, English
Calling Code: +60
How to Get Around
Grab: This ride-hailing app is one of the most convenient ways to get around KK, especially for tourists. It’s readily available in the city, and it offers a set fare before booking, so you won’t have to worry about getting tourist rates.
Taxi: Taxis are also standard in the city, whether at the airport, hotel, tourist attractions, etc. They’re way easier to find than booking a ride through Grab, but you’ll have to negotiate a price before agreeing, since most don’t use metres.
Bus: Taking the bus may not be the fastest option to get around the city, but it’s the cheapest! KK has several main bus stations, including North Bus Terminal Inanam, Padang Merdeka, Wawasan Bus Terminal, and KK Central.
Car Rental: You can also rent a car when you land at the airport to enjoy a more private and convenient way to get around town.
Boat and Ferry: Getting to the surrounding islands of Kota Kinabalu would require you to head to the island’s only port, Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
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Address: No. 20, Jalan Aru
Phone: +60 88-327 888
Pricing: $$$
If you want to stay somewhere luxurious in front of the glistening sea, then Shangri-La Tanjung Aru should be on your radar. This five-star beachfront hotel will offer you panoramic views and easy access to Tanjung Aru, one of the prettiest beaches in Malaysia.
You’ll be staying at one of their premium suites, which are spacious, elegant, and equipped with all the amenities to make your vacation comfy and convenient. Moreover, these rooms are always serviced, so you can expect clean sheets and well-maintained bathrooms 24/7.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru doesn’t fall short of lavish facilities, like its outdoor swimming pool, complete with a children’s play area. Meanwhile, adults can have fun at the relaxing spa, which offers a variety of massages, facials, and treatments.
Sabah Oriental Hotel
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Address: Jalan Kemajuan
Phone: +60 88-258 998
Pricing: $
Sabah Oriental Hotel is a great option if you want to stay near the bay without spending all your budget on accommodations. This hotel offers spacious rooms and suites that will blow your mind with their cheap overnight rates, considering the location and the complete amenities.
However, we think you’ll spend most of your time enjoying this hotel’s facilities, such as the outdoor swimming pool on the third floor. This spot provides guests with a relaxing way to cool down while offering panoramic city views.
They also offer a fitness gym and a soon-to-open wellness spa where guests can promote overall body wellness! We can’t wait for the spa, which promises holistic reflexology treatments and relaxing massages.
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
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Address: 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard
Phone: +60 88-318 888
Pricing: $$
The Pacific Sutera Hotel is one of the best value-for-money hotels near the bay. It’s a five-star hotel that offers lavish yet reasonably priced rooms. These are modernly designed and affixed with equally modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, en-suite bathtubs, etc.
Moreover, these rooms feature huge windows offering breathtaking cerulean water views! If you want a better and more unobstructed view, you MUST check out the hotel’s sky bar and cigar lounge—grab a couple of cold ones while you’re at it.
If you want to be up close and personal with the water, we recommend booking a sunset cruise with the hotel! Their luxurious yacht can accommodate multiple guests, making you feel like you never left your room with its amenities.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
– Media credit: hiltonkotakinabalu and buromalaysia
Address: Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City
Phone: +60 88-356 000
Pricing: $$
Hilton Kota Kinabalu is another luxurious hotel that will let you live like royalty during your stay in KK. For starters, each suite featured here comes with premium amenities you can expect from a five-star establishment to make sure you and your loved ones remain comfy.
Furthermore, the hotel features a wide variety of lavish facilities to keep you relaxed and entertained during your stay. One of the prime examples of this is the rooftop pool and bar, where you can cool down, grab some drinks, socialise, or simply bask in the views.
This hotel also features a strategic location, as it’s near the harbour, airport, and hidden restaurants. However, you can choose not to leave the hotel to eat, as the place features a fancy restaurant specialising in Western classics.
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
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Address: Lot G, 23A, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens
Phone: +60 88-286 888
Pricing: $$
Marriott is no stranger to offering luxurious places to stay, but we especially love their hotel in Kota Kinabalu because of the location. Aside from offering beautiful views of the sea, it’s also located in the heart of the city, making it easy for guests to reach essential spots.
Moreover, their suites never disappoint, as they’re always elegantly designed, spacious, and well-maintained. It also helps that they’re equipped with huge windows that overlook the water as well as modern amenities like huge flat-screen TVs, living areas, hot water, Wi-Fi, etc.
The hotel also has an outdoor infinity swimming pool that offers guests a front-row seat to the scenic ocean. The same views can also be seen if you choose to dine in their in-house restaurant that offers fresh and flavourful seafood, Big Fish.
Where to Eat in Kota Kinabalu
SOULed OUT Kota Kinabalu
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Address: G-101, Imago Shopping Mall KK Times Square Phase 2
Phone: +60 16-839 1338
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a spot that offers delicious Western food and equally impressive alcoholic drinks, then SOULed Out should be right up your alley! One of the highlights of their menu is the steak collection, which comes in different parts like sirloin, tenderloin, and tomahawk.
They also offer lamb chops, which are also bathed in their homemade gravy to help lessen the gaminess of the meat. Regardless of which steak you go for and which part, you can expect them to be grilled to perfection, complete with authentic charcoal marks and pinkish meat.
We also recommend this spot for families, as they have plenty of dishes that are great for sharing, like their classic pepperoni pizza. This, paired with their seafood marinara spaghetti, is a fantastic gastronomic combination.
Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
– Media credit: iloveborneomy and ilovekchmy
Address: Lorong Hilltop, Taman Far East
Phone: +60 16-824 8414
Pricing: $$
You can’t leave a place this close to the ocean without trying its seafood delicacies, which is why you should check out Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant. This spot is renowned for its fish noodles because of its overloaded toppings of prawns, fried fish, and veggies.
These ingredients are then drenched in their signature spicy seafood soup, which never fails to make us break a sweat. The fried fish is also interesting, as they use unorthodox parts like the head and tail, which add more umami to the noodle soup.
The place itself is your typical hole-in-the-wall in Malaysia, complete with ceiling fans, monoblocks, and an open layout to help keep the interior cool. It’s not too bad, though, as it’s a great way to enjoy an authentic Malay dining experience.
Little Italy
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Address: Ground Floor, Hotel Capital
Phone: +60 88-232 231
Pricing: $$$
There’s no better place to get a slice of pizza and fresh pasta in KK than in Little Italy. As you may have gleaned from its name, it aims to replicate the flavours of this cuisine, and honestly, they do a fantastic job!
A prime example of this is their pizza selection, which features classic flavours like pepperoni, margarita, Hawaiian, and mushroom. Moreover, they offer pasta ranging from classic tomato-based flavours to new and exciting ones like squid ink.
Dishes aside, the restaurant can offer an authentic Italian experience through its elegant interior, complete with brick walls, statues, and dim lights. Furthermore, the location couldn’t be better, as it’s in the heart of KK, and near the most famous hotels in the city.
KK Garden Seafood Sedco
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Address: 4, Jalan Tan Beng Heng
Phone: +60 11-2447 8388
Pricing: $$$
KK Garden Seafood Sedco is another fantastic spot to try Kota Kinabalu’s bustling seafood scene. One of their best offerings is lobster, which is as meaty as it can be and comes in different flavours like garlic butter, salted egg, and baked cheese.
We also love their prawn selection, consisting of flowers, tigers, and even live prawns! The tender white meat of these delicacies makes for a perfect vessel for sauces and flavours such as Kung Pao, salted egg, chilli sauce, and dry butter!
If you want the freshest seafood, however, we recommend getting a batch of their oysters! These are harvested fresh daily, and they don’t need much other than a dash of lemon to make them taste like a million bucks!
Mamasita Mexican Restaurant & Tapas Bar
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Address: 15, Lorong Dewan
Phone: +60 10-230 9533
Pricing: $$
Mamasita Mexican Restaurant & Tapas Bar will immediately catch your attention with its bright orange exterior and colourful flaglets. However, the real fiesta awaits inside, and you’ll immediately get a sense of this once that iconic cilantro-y aroma hits your nose.
This spot serves just about every iconic dish from Mexico, from tacos to burritos, quesadillas, etc. Their quesadillas are our favourite solely because of their variety, featuring fillings like chicken, beef, lamb, and even vegetables!
You can also expect a hearty serving of vegetables (purple cabbage, shredded lettuce, beans) in their burrito bowls! You can also opt for their authentic Mexican ensalada if you’re looking to veer away from meat.
What to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Explore its neighbouring islands
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One of the reasons why people from all over the world visit KK is to try island hopping, and we can’t blame them! The city has several neighbouring islands that offer breathtaking views, untouched nature, and fun activities to try.
Among these islands, the biggest is Pulau Gaya, which houses the popular Gaya Island Resort. Moreover, this island, along with the other ones, features pristine beaches with bustling marine life, which is also why you can usually add snorkelling to your island hopping package.
All boats depart from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, with the first one leaving at 8:00 AM and the last returning at 4:00 PM. Island hopping tours are offered by various resorts and hotels, as well as travel agencies like Amazing Borneo Tours & Events Sdn Bhd.
Learn about Sabah’s history at the Sabah State Museum
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Address: Sabah Museum Complex
Phone: +60 88-225 033
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Rates:
- Non-Malaysian: RM15
- Malaysian: RM2
- PWDs: Free
- Senior citizens: Free
- Taxi drivers: Free
Sabah State Museum is a must-visit during your city tour, as it will give you a deeper understanding of the state’s history. This is perfectly showcased at the ethnographic exhibits, which feature indigenous tribes and their traditional costumes at centre stage.
You can also learn more about our world by stopping by the Science and Technology Centre. It’s here where you’ll find the magnificent bones of different prehistoric creatures, as well as how oil and gas are vital in KK’s economy.
Lastly, we recommend checking out the cultural village located outside the museum. It tells the story of how different ethnic groups live by showcasing one-to-one scales of traditional longhouses.
Cool down and catch the sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach
– Media credit: placesmalaysia and places.borneo
Address: Tanjung Aru Beach Resort
Phone: +60 16-833 0678
Rates: Free
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Tanjung Aru Beach is one of Kota Kinabalu’s most beautiful attractions, especially. It offers beautiful views of the cerulean waters as far as the eye can see, as well as some of the neighbouring islands.
From around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, you’ll be treated to a fantastic sunset view that will stick with you long after your vacation in KK. Moreover, you can also cool down in its shallow and calm waters, which are 100% free!
You can also engage in exciting watersports offered by the resorts and providers posted at the bay. Some exciting activities you can try include jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkelling, and island hopping!
Admire the beautiful architecture of Masjid Bandaraya
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Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas
Phone: +60 88-205 418
Rates: RM5
Masjid Bandaraya, also known as the City Mosque, is among Malaysia’s most beautiful places of worship. Its pure white exterior achieves a clean look, and the diamond-patterned domes add a beautiful pop of colour.
Its most eye-catching trait, however, is its floating illusion. It’s surrounded by a cerulean body of water, which, at the right angle and time, perfectly reflects the mosque in all its glory.
Lastly, Masjid Bandaraya’s interior is just as beautiful, featuring detailed and colourful tiles, massive arches, and the same pearl white paint found outside its walls. Tourists can enter its premises for a small fee of RM5, provided they’re dressed moderately.
Be immersed in nature at Kinabalu Park
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Address: Mt Kinabalu National Park
Phone: +60 88-889 095
Rates: RM5
Kinabalu Park should be on your itinerary if you live for the great outdoors! Covering over 700 sqm, this national park will spoil you with nature’s best sights, from towering trees to rare flowers, awe-inspiring wildlife, and more!
The park offers various hiking trails, one of which will take you to the peak of Mount Kinabalu. While you’re here, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the countless hectares of natural greenery!
Bird-watching is also a huge hit here, especially since you’re venturing into their natural habitat! There are over 300 bird species living here, including rare ones such as the Bornean whistler, Bornean treepie, and indigo flycatcher.
Meet marine animals at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
– Media credit: adventures_borneo
Address: Manukan Island
Phone: +60 88-486 430
Rates:
- Malaysian: RM100
- Non-Malaysian: RM200
You can’t leave Kota Kinabalu without scuba diving! Its surrounding water, especially the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is teeming with colourful marine life that would be a shame to miss out on during your visit to the city.
What’s great about this area is that the government protects it so that you can expect pristine coral reefs. This is also why you’ll find a plethora of marine life, ranging from clownfish to sea turtles, sardines, manta rays, etc.
Where to Shop in Kota Kinabalu
Gaya Weekend Market
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Address: Gaya Street
Phone: +60 10-954 3651
Operating hours:
- Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 5:00 AM to 12:45 AM
Gaya Weekend Market is one of the most famous night markets in Malaysia, offering various local produce for everyone to enjoy. It’s the best place to purchase souvenirs, ranging from keychains to mugs, customised t-shirts, etc.
My favourite item to browse here, however, is the local handicrafts. It’s always impressive to see handmade batik patterns and woven baskets at such cheap prices.
Gaya Street is also lined with restaurants, hawker stalls, and stores, some of which date back as early as 1902! Speaking of hawker stalls, plenty of them sell some of Malaysia’s most popular street food like satay and nasi lemak!
Handicraft Market
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Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Also known as the Filipino Market, the owners of the stalls here are mostly Filipinos selling their local arts and crafts. These crafts include musical instruments like guitars, jewellery, fabrics, traditional clothes, and key chains.
You’ll also find a plethora of tropical fruits being sold here. Our favourite ones are the yellow ripe mangoes, as they’re notably sweeter than your typical Malay mangoes.
What to Expect from Kota Kinabalu Weather
The weather at Kota Kinabalu is mostly dry all year round, with the driest months being March to September. Meanwhile, you can expect moderate to heavy rainfall from October to January.
Apps to Download
Grab: Ride-hailing app
Google Maps: Handy world map
Agoda: Convenient accommodation booking app